Every couple of years you’ll need to upgrade your gear. When you do, you’d better focus on a helmet first, and then a jacket next. Some guys will say to get yourself some good boots, but I’ve found that you can just wear some sturdy work boots or some old motorcycle boots until you really decide it’s time to upgrade. The jacket, though, is an absolute must. And you can get one for under $300.
While you’ll still need to get boots, gloves, pants, and any other specific gear you want or need, the jacket is a big part of the puzzle. Here are six of the best out there, and while the prices will vary all of them can be found for under $300.
Note: this post was updated for 2020.
1. Alpinestars Viper Air Motorcycle Jacket
Alpinestars is without a doubt a name you’ve heard before. It’s one of the best-known names in motorcycle gear. The Viper Air Motorcycle Jacket is a fantastic jacket from the company. It’s affordable, well-built, and ready for pretty much anything, no matter the style of riding you do.
Here are the features:
- Two-way sleeve zippers and a mesh collar
- Pre-curved sleeves
- Versatile D-ring waist fit
- Removable windproof inner vest
- 600 denier poly-fabric shell reinforced with polyurethane
- Extensive mesh panels
Read reviews on Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at CycleGear
Check it out at J&P Cycles
2. Alpinestars Andes V2 Drystar Jacket
As we mentioned above, Alpinestars makes some seriously good motorcycle gear, jackets specifically. The Andes V2 Drystar Jacket is another one of its fantastic products.
Here are the features:
- Advanced reinforced poly-fabric textile
- Drystar waterproof, breathable material
- Direct ventilation system
- Removable CE-certified armor in the elbows and shoulders
Read Reviews on Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at CycleGear
Check it out at J&P Cycles
3. Joe Rocket 1051-5004 Atomic Jacket
Joe Rocket is another well-known and well-respected manufacturer out there of various kinds of motorcycle gear. The 1051-5004 Atomic Jacket is one of its pieces of gear that comes highly recommended.
Here are its features:
- Externally accessible C.E. armor
- Variable Flow ventilation system
- Waterproof zippers
- 6-point SureFit custom adjustment system
- Removable insulated full sleeve liner
Read reviews at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at CycleGear
Check it out at J&P Cycles
4. Pilot Motosport Trans-Urban Jacket
If you’re looking for a good super affordable and comfortable touring motorcycle jacket, then this option from Pilot Motorsports is a good option. The Trans-Urban Jacket offers plenty of features to entice you.
Here are its features:
- Overlay panels on shoulders and elbows
- REISSA membrane allows moisture out but not in
- Heavy gauge two-way main zipper
- Removable sleeve length Thermolite liner
- Removable CE approved armor in elbows and shoulders
Read reviews at Amazon
Check it out at Pilot Motosport
Check it out at Walmart
5. Tourmaster Transition Series 4 Jacket
Tourmaster is one of the most
Here are its features:
- Carbolex 600 denier outer shell
- 1680 denier Ballistic in the elbows
- Pipeline venting with pinch vents
- Aqua-Barrier under-the-helmet hood
- Action back rear panel
Read reviews at Amazon
Check it out at Revzilla
Check it out at CycleGear
Check it out at J&P Cycles
6. Milwaukee Leather Classic Side Lace Police Style Motorcycle Jacket
Milwaukee Leather is known in the industry for making good products, and if you need a good classic style in a jacket, this Classic Side Lace Police Style Motorcycle Jacket fits the bill.
Here are its features:
- Premium milled cowhide
- Full sleeve zip out thermal liner
- Side lace detailing for optimal fit
- Half belt for easy adjustment
- Two lower zippered pockets
Read reviews at Amazon
Check it out at LeatherUp
Check it out at Milwaukee Leather
Check it out at Boot Barn
